Thursday, 5 February 2015

How to Create a Romantic Treat for your Valentine

What was the last thoughtful gift you received? It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive – it could be something as simple as some homemade biscuits. A friend who came over for dinner recently bought a large bunch of flowers she picked from her garden. Rather than bringing food, another friend that came for morning tea the other day bought a fresh bunch of mixed herbs from her garden. These guys obviously know me pretty well, because I LOVE these types of gifts. In fact, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to receive gifts like these. They are thoughtful, useful and meaningful – the ultimate ‘Awesome Gift Trifecta’. How can you create this kind of gift experience for your Valentine? We reckon the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach with food and/or drink. So here are some ideas of how you can personalise some simple and beautiful gifts…

1. TraysWe're spoilt for choice when it comes to creative ways to present food these days. Any $2 shop has a range of decorative takeaway-style noodle boxes, plastic and glass containers/trays, party bags, etc. that are perfect for gifting home-cooked goodness. Even a coffee mug with a beautiful design could be filled with chocolates, nuts and sweets and wrapped in cellophane as a gift. If you’re feeling thrifty, check out the crockery/kitchenware sections of Op Shops and second hand stores. Imagine a finding an unusual vintage tray or glass bowl and filling it with goodies – two gifts in one!

We are IN LOVE with these gorgeous Rosanna porcelain trays. They are the perfect size for serving a variety of foods - from cheese and crackers to cupcakes and chocolates. Source your Valentine’s favourite French cheese from your local market and package it up with some crackers or a baguette in cellophane with a matching ribbon.

2. CoastersCoasters are a super-versatile gift that no home should be without. Not only do they protect your table surfaces, they also add colour and personality to any table-top. We suggest wrapping a small bottle of drink with each coaster – a beer bottle would be ideal if your recipient likes beer. You could even select a different bottle of beer to go with each coaster so your recipient gets to try some new beers.

4. Ice Bucket A beautiful bottle of bubbles or champagne deserves to be beautifully presented. What better way to gift a bottle than with a striking ice bucket you can also use to chill it in. A room-temperature bottle of wine can be chilled very quickly in an ice bucket with a combination of ice and water.

5. Coffee CupI don’t know many people who don’t like coffee. In fact, I know more die-hard coffee fans than people who don’t like coffee. With this in mind, a reuseable coffee cup, such as the KeepCup can make a useful gift for many people. However, a simple coffee cup can be made into a really special gift with the addition of some locally roasted coffee beans. Either package the cup with a bag of coffee, or fill the cup with beans and wrap to pleasantly surprise your recipient when they open the cup…although the amazing smell might give it away!